# Surat Engineer Nidhi Patel Murder Case Unsolved One Week Later as 60-Member SIT Searches for Clues > One week after 22-year-old computer engineer Nidhi Patel was brutally murdered in Surat's Godavadi village, police are yet to arrest the culprit. A 60-member SIT is analyzing call logs and forensic evidence to crack the case. **Type:** article · **Category:** Crime · **Published:** 2026-09-02 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/crime/surat-men-mahila-injiniyara-nidhi-patel-ki-hatya-ka-eka-haphta-pura-60-pulisakarmiyon-ki-jancha-ke-bada-bhi-aropi-besuraga-26159 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Surat Murder Case, Nidhi Patel, Gujarat Police, SIT Investigation, Surat Crime A week after the brutal murder of 22-year-old computer engineer Nidhi Patel in Surat district's Godavadi village, police investigators are still struggling to obtain a conclusive breakthrough. Nidhi's body was discovered under suspicious circumstances inside her home on the morning of 24 August. Preliminary findings revealed that the perpetrator acted with extreme cruelty, strangling her using a mobile phone charger cable and a shorts drawstring. Additionally, two plastic bags were wrapped tightly over her mouth to smother her. The horrific incident has sparked widespread panic across the area, while her family remains overwhelmed by shock and grief. ## 60-Member SIT Formed Under ASP Akshesh Engineer The murder investigation was initially handled by the Mandvi police station. However, after early inquiries failed to yield any concrete leads, Surat SP Rajesh Gadhia stepped in and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the probe. The leadership of this dedicated task force was assigned to Akshesh Engineer, the Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Mandvi Division. Comprising around 60 police personnel, the team has been actively pursuing multiple angles. Despite four days having passed since the formation of the SIT, the team has not yet succeeded in establishing the identity or whereabouts of the assailant. ## Crime Scene Points to an Acquaintance Detailed forensic inspection of the crime scene showed no evidence of forced entry into the residence, such as broken locks or damaged doors. Consequently, investigators suspect that the crime was committed by an acquaintance whom Nidhi willingly permitted into the house. At the time of the murder, Nidhi was alone at home because her parents had gone on a pilgrimage. Upon returning from their trip, her parents discovered their daughter's body lying on the terrace of the house. Police also noted that while the front door of the house remained locked from the inside, the rear door was found wide open following the incident. ## Suspicion of Sexual Abuse and Forensic Analysis Medical examinations identified injury marks on the victim's private parts, raising strong suspicions of sexual assault associated with the crime. Law enforcement agencies are currently attempting to piece together the events leading up to the homicide using digital forensics. Investigators are analyzing Nidhi's recent phone call records, text messages, WhatsApp chats, and fingerprints retrieved from the crime scene. While several potential leads are being investigated, authorities have refrained from making suspect names public due to the sensitive nature of the case, reassuring the public that the investigation is progressing rapidly toward a resolution. ## What this means for you This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of home safety measures and heightened personal alertness for individuals staying alone. - **Across India:** Young individuals living alone are advised to exercise caution not only around strangers but also with acquaintances exhibiting suspicious behavior. Regularly checking lock mechanisms and ensuring home security setups remain functional can prevent untoward incidents. - **In Surat:** Residents of Godavadi village and the Mandvi region are urged to report any unusual activities to the local police immediately. Police presence in the area has been strengthened to reassure the community during the ongoing investigation. - **On Digital Preparedness:** Emergency contacts and quick-dial options on mobile phones should always be kept updated. Call records and messaging history often serve as crucial clues during emergency tracking. - **For Families Traveling:** Informing trusted neighbors or relatives before leaving young family members alone at home is essential. Staying in regular communication helps ensure the safety of loved ones during trips. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Who was Nidhi Patel? Nidhi Patel was a 22-year-old computer engineer residing in Godavadi village in Surat district. ### 2. When and where was Nidhi Patel's body found? Her body was discovered on the terrace of her residence on the morning of 24 August. ### 3. How was Nidhi Patel murdered? She was strangled using a mobile charger cable and a shorts drawstring, with two plastic bags tied over her mouth. ### 4. Who is leading the murder investigation? A 60-member SIT formed by Surat SP Rajesh Gadhia and led by ASP Akshesh Engineer is investigating the case. ### 5. Why do police suspect an acquaintance? Because there were no signs of forced entry, the front door was locked from inside, and the rear door was left open. ### 6. Has anyone been arrested in connection with the crime? No suspects have been arrested yet, even after a week since the incident and four days of SIT operations. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._